How to File a Police Report in Maryland

When you think a crime has been committed against you or a minor in your care, it's important to contact the police to file a report. Getting the incident on file establishes a legal record. Even if the police are unable to investigate, your police report creates a history of the behavior. Should it happen again, the police will have a platform from which to pursue the perpetrator. Not filing a report leaves that person free to commit the behavior again.

Call your local police department to file a report. Call 911 in an emergency; otherwise, use the dispatch phone number in your local phone book. A police officer will arrive quickly.

Describe in detail what happened. The police officer will write your statements down, effectively creating a legal report of the matter. Provide as much information as you can, including what time the incident occurred, if you had any witnesses, who the perpetrator was, what he looked like and any contact information you have for him.

File an "Application for Statement of Charges" with the district court commissioner if the police decide not to investigate or file charges. Ask for Form DC/CR 1 at your district courthouse. When filling it out, state who you are, what happened, where it happened, how it happened, what the perpetrator looked like and what you know about her.

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About the Author

Brooke Julia has been a writer since 2009. Her work has been featured in regional magazines, including "She" and "Hagerstown Magazine," as well as national magazines, including "Pregnancy & Newborn" and "Fit Pregnancy."